Upward Unlimited

Programs: Upward sports operates as an organization that exists to promote the discovery of jesus through sports. We bring churches, christian leaders, and the communities they serve together through the universal language of sports, strengthening young athletes by helping them grow in mind body and soul. As a non-denominational christian sports ministry provider, upward sports offers programs for young athletes from kindergarten through high school. Upward sports provides valuable resources that aid in planning, training, and executing first-class, organized, and detailed sports offerings. Form 990, part iii, line 4a description is continued on schedule o. Upward sports accomplishes its mission primarily through the 360 progression which is a uniquely designed total sports experience that adapts and expands as players develop and grow in their personal journey. The 360 progressiontm offers comprehensive training and instruction that increases in intensity with each athlete as they improve, enriching their physical, emotional, social and spiritual development. The experience is carried out within three program offerings: upward recreation program offering: the primary function of this offering is the initial discovery of sports (and christ) and developing a love for the game. This past year, uu hosted local and regional meetings to recast the vision of reclaiming the landscape of youth sports for the benefit of young athletes throughout the united states. During these meetings, church leaders learn how upward recreation programs are adapting to the changing landscape of youth sports and equipping to connect with their community through the universal language of sports. Churches can participate in one or more of the following sports programs in the united states: basketball, cheerleading with basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading with flag football, and sports camps. Uu develops and provides to churches a comprehensive sports ministry program that is ready to be implemented as a part of a church's ministry services. As part of that comprehensive sports ministry program, churches are charged a fee per participant which covers the cost of the program. The fees include: customer support, online resources for the league director, volunteers, parents and children; league management software and support; and other program items that make the upward sports experience unique. These participant fees are what generate uu's program revenue. In addition, uu generates program support revenue through other items that further enhance the game day experience. Upward performance program offering: the primary function of this offering is to give athletes, who have found their love of the game, a place to be challenged so that they can strive for more. Luke 2:52 reads, and jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with god and man. " using this biblical truth as a guide our team has developed and expanded our offering in the middle school and high school level of sports. Upward stars, a new program offering introduced in 2012, is providing programming in basketball and volleyball that intentionally develops all participants mentally, athletically, spiritually and socially. Upward sports performance athletes take their love for the game to the next level as they continue to develop mentally, athletically, spiritually and socially through upward stars programming. The majority of revenue for this program is generated from the sale of participant kits. Approximately 8,745 players participated in upward performance academies, travel teams, and camps annually in 20 u. S. Markets run by certified leaders. Upward star center facility offerings: the primary function of this facility is to provide a world-class sports complex at our corporate headquarters, using the gospel of christ behind sports programs and events. The star center also will serve as a living laboratory to test and model new sports and concepts.